US flu season classified as 'high severity'

On Friday, CDC classified the 2024-2025 flu season as "high severity" for all age groups — the first time the severity level has been used since the 2017-2018 season.

Currently, test positivity rates for flu (31.6%) far outpace both COVID-19 (4.8%) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (6.8%). 

As of Feb. 8, 45 states reported either "high" or "very high" levels of influenza-like illnesses (ILI). Outpatient visits for ILI have also remained elevated at 7.8%, significantly higher than the baseline level of 3%.

Flu hospitalization levels also continue to be higher than both COVID-19 and RSV. As of Feb. 8, the flu hospitalization rate was 9.6 per 100,000 people, compared to 1.8 per 100,000 for COVID-19 and 2 per 100,000 for RSV.

In addition, flu deaths have been higher than COVID-19 deaths for the past two weeks. As of Feb. 8, flu deaths made up 2.6% of all deaths, compared to 1.5% for COVID-19.

"The two predominant strains that are circulating right now are known to be more severe and have more severe outcomes, especially in high-risk patients," said Carol McLay, president of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. "It's really clogging up our ERs and our outpatient facilities. And for the first time, we've seen cases of influenza that have surpassed COVID-19 in hospitalizations and deaths, since the COVID pandemic began."

So far this flu season, CDC estimates that there have been at least 29 million illnesses, 370,000 hospitalizations, and 16,000 deaths. There have also been 68 pediatric deaths this flu season, including 11 reported the week ending Feb. 8. 

Wen recommends talking to your healthcare providers ahead of time about whether you should receive antiviral treatment for the flu. Typically, these treatments are recommended for people with an increased risk of severe issues, including older adults, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions.

If your provider recommends antivirals, make sure you know how to quickly access it, including how you will be able to get a prescription. Some potential options may include telehealth visits or urgent care centers.

2. Keep rapid flu tests on hand

"Because early diagnosis is so important and many other respiratory viruses mimic the flu, I advise everyone to keep a few home test kits in their medicine cabinets," Wen writes. "Many rapid tests can detect influenza and are widely available over the counter at pharmacies and online."

FDA has also authorized combined flu and COVID-19 tests, which can be helpful for patients who are eligible for antivirals against both viruses.

3. Prepare ahead of time in case you get sick

It's important to consider how your different responsibilities, including work, childcare, or elder care, may be affected if you get sick. If there are members of your household who are at a higher risk of severe illness, try to reduce their exposure to sick individuals.

Wen also recommends keeping a supply of fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, on hand. People with respiratory conditions may also want to keep extra inhalers and nebulizing solutions in case their infection worsens.

4. Have a plan if you get seriously sick

Although most people who get the flu can recover with outpatient management, some people may become severely ill. If you are sick enough that you cannot manage your symptoms at home, Wen recommends going straight to the ED instead of an urgent care center.

If you're concerned about serious illness from the flu, talk to your physician about which hospital to go to if you need additional care. Families with sick children may also want to identify a pediatric hospital, or at least a hospital with a pediatric section, to go to if needed.

5. Take steps to prevent the flu

For vulnerable people, Wen recommends wearing a high-quality mask while in crowded indoor places. They may also want to avoid large social events that are held in poorly ventilated areas and postpone any gatherings if someone is sick.

People who have not yet received a flu vaccine should do so right away, Wen said. The vaccine can still help reduce the risk of contracting the flu and becoming severely sick.

"There is no doubt, the data is out there, if you are vaccinated for the flu, even if you do get the flu, it is much less severe and it prevents you from being hospitalized and, obviously, prevents death as well," McLay said. "It's not too late to go out and get a flu vaccine."